This webpage describes the process of how pre-competitive technologies can be applied in and around TNO’s offices. Particularly because our offices provide an opportunity to pilot our own innovations. As TNO we want to make use of our own innovations (e.g. Building Integrated PV, new ways of working, innovative materials, etc.) and show to the outside world that we practice what we preach. At the same time, it creates an inspiring and effective place of work and research. This Applying Innovations process enables utilization of the opportunity to use our own buildings as a pilot or demonstration location for our research.

This process focusses on innovations which are not ready to be marketed yet and need to be piloted. The application of the innovations offers space for continuously starting new pilots in TNO buildings. This document explains the Application procedure, the Feasibility Study phase and the Implementation Study
phase.

To lead this process, an Innovation Board is composed in which both the primary process and CREF are represented. The board will study the results of each Applying Innovation Phase and decide if the innovation is suitable to continue to the next phase and eventually is ready to be applied within TNO. Apart from providing advice for continuation for the next phases, the Innovation Board provides support to find and allocate funding for the Applying Innovation process. Further, Cees Henzen (Head of the team Real Estate Management & Technology, CREF) will provide guidance during the process.

Submitting your Innovation

During the whole year, innovations can be submitted to the Applying Innovation program, to be piloted in a TNO building. Submission for the Applying Innovation can arise from the primary process or as a response to a CREF request. Everyone is welcome to submit their innovation. If CREF has a request for innovations to be applied in a specific renovation/new building plan, then information of these requests (scope, requirements, timeline) can be found in the Applying Innovation tool.

In the Applying Innovations tool, an innovation can be submitted by filling in the Fast Check. The Fast Check quickly identifies the complexity, impact and risks of the pilot. These characteristics are used for the first review.

 

Fast Check

The application consists of a form based on which a fast check can be done on the feasibility, complexity and risks of the pilot. Five aspects are covered in the Fast Check: general description, information about the innovation (TRL, impact, added value), budget, timeline and stakeholders. In order to submit your innovation, your research manager needs to give her/his approval. 

The application will evaluated by the Innovation Board. If they decide that it seems manageable to implement the innovation in a TNO building, a project team needs to be created and they will be invited to start with the first phase (feasibility).